The Joy of Homemade Classic Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Soft, pillowy dough meets sweet, spicy cinnamon in a classic cinnamon rolls recipe that promises pure comfort.

These golden-brown swirls of deliciousness melt in your mouth with every single bite.

Warm from the oven, they fill the kitchen with an irresistible aroma that beckons everyone near.

Rich, buttery layers spiral together with a generous coating of brown sugar and ground cinnamon.

Each roll delivers a perfect balance of tender texture and deep, warming flavors.

The cream cheese frosting adds a luxurious touch that turns these rolls into an absolutely unforgettable treat.

Dive into this beloved recipe and let the magic of homemade goodness sweep you off your feet.

Cinnamon Roll Shaping and Baking Directions

• Creamy Cloud Topping

Blend softened cream cheese with butter in a bowl until smooth. Add a splash of vanilla and a pinch of salt for depth of flavor. Gently fold in powdered sugar, creating a luscious, velvety mixture.

• Frosting Finesse

Adjust the texture by drizzling in half-and-half, stirring until you reach a dreamy, spreadable consistency. If needed, splash in extra milk to thin the frosting to your desired smoothness.

• Roll Draping

Lavish the warm cinnamon rolls with the silky frosting, allowing it to cascade down the curves. Let the rolls rest briefly, letting the topping settle and flavors mingle.

• Storage Wisdom

Shield your delectable treats by covering and tucking them into the refrigerator. For the most divine experience, warm them gently in the oven before serving, reviving their just-baked magic.

Tweak Your Filling or Frosting: Tips Here

• Prepare the rolls up to the point of final rising, then freeze unbaked. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake fresh in the morning for a convenient breakfast treat.
• Ensure cream cheese and butter are at room temperature for smoother, lump-free frosting that spreads easily over warm rolls.
• Assemble rolls the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before baking to let them come to room temperature and rise slightly.
• Cover the pan with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning and keep the edges soft and tender.

Ways to Serve Cinnamon Rolls at Brunch or Dessert

• Savor Fresh and Warm: Serve these cinnamon rolls straight from the oven for the most decadent, melt-in-your-mouth experience. The warm rolls paired with creamy frosting create an irresistible treat.
• Pair with Morning Beverages: Complement these rolls with a hot cup of coffee, cappuccino, or tea. The sweet cinnamon flavor beautifully balances rich, bold drink profiles.
• Elevate Breakfast Spread: Add these rolls to a weekend brunch table alongside fresh fruits, scrambled eggs, or bacon. They'll transform an ordinary morning meal into a special gathering.
• Store and Reheat with Care: Keep leftover rolls covered in the refrigerator. When ready to enjoy, warm them in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their soft, fresh-baked texture and gooey cinnamon center.

Save Extras from Drying Out Later

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover cinnamon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and delicious.
• Reheat with Care: Warm rolls in a preheated 300°F oven for 10 minutes to restore their soft, gooey texture and bring back that fresh-baked taste.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap individual rolls tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag to keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Room Temperature Tips: If serving within 24 hours, keep rolls covered at room temperature to maintain their soft, tender crumb and prevent drying out.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 256 kcal

Servings: 9

Classic Cinnamon Roll Ingredients at a Glance

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the sturdy foundation for tender, soft rolls with perfect texture.
• Active Dry Yeast: Magical ingredient that helps dough rise and creates airy, fluffy texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Feeds yeast and adds subtle sweetness to enhance bread's flavor.
• Salt: Balances flavors and strengthens gluten structure in the dough.
• Milk: Creates rich, soft texture and helps activate yeast for optimal rise.
• Butter: Adds richness, moisture, and contributes to tender, melt-in-your-mouth rolls.
• Egg: Binds ingredients, adds structure, and creates a golden, soft exterior.

• Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel-like sweetness and helps create gooey cinnamon swirls.
• Ground Cinnamon: Delivers warm, aromatic spice that defines classic cinnamon roll flavor.
• Butter: Helps spread filling evenly and creates a luscious, moist interior.

• Cream Cheese: Creates tangy, smooth base for classic frosting with rich, creamy texture.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps stabilize frosting consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with deep, aromatic sweetness.
• Confectioners' Sugar: Provides smooth sweetness and helps thicken frosting.
• Half-and-Half: Adjusts frosting consistency and adds creamy smoothness.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and brightens overall flavor profile.

What You’ll Need for Soft Dough & Swirls

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Essential for effortlessly mixing dough and creating smooth frosting.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients and letting dough rise.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure delicious results.
• Rolling pin: Helps roll out dough evenly for perfect cinnamon rolls.
• Baking pan: 9×13 inch pan works best for baking rolls.
• Whisk: Crucial for blending frosting ingredients smoothly.
• Sharp knife or bench scraper: Helps cut and shape dough precisely.
• Kitchen towel: Useful for covering dough during rising.
• Offset spatula or butter knife: Ideal for spreading frosting evenly.

Gooey Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

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• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Homemade classic cinnamon rolls deliver warm, sweet comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen. Pillowy dough swirled with rich cinnamon and topped with creamy frosting will welcome you into delicious breakfast bliss.

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Ingredients

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• 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup (57 g) butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups confectioner’s sugar
• 2–4 tbsps (30–60 mL) half-and-half or milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/8 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Mixing Base: Whip cream cheese and unsalted butter in a medium bowl until achieving a smooth, homogeneous texture with no visible lumps.
2. Flavor Enhancement: Introduce vanilla extract and kosher salt, blending thoroughly to create a rich, aromatic foundation for the frosting.
3. Sugar Integration: Sift powdered sugar gradually into the mixture, stirring meticulously to prevent clumping and ensure a silky-smooth consistency.
4. Consistency Calibration: Slowly incorporate half-and-half, mixing incrementally until the frosting reaches a perfectly spreadable, glossy state that cascades elegantly when drizzled.
5. Finishing Touch: As soon as cinnamon rolls emerge piping hot from the oven, lavishly coat with the prepared frosting, allowing it to melt slightly and seep into the warm, fluffy crevices.
6. Resting and Setting: Let the frosted rolls sit for 5-10 minutes, permitting the icing to stabilize while maintaining a luxurious, glistening appearance.
7. Storage and Reheating: Preserve any remaining rolls in an hermetic container within the refrigerator, gently rewarming at 300°F (150°C) to revive their just-baked allure and optimal flavor profile.

Notes

• Whip Frosting Smoothly: Ensure butter and cream cheese are at room temperature for a lump-free, silky-smooth frosting that spreads effortlessly.
• Control Icing Consistency: Add half-and-half gradually to achieve the perfect spreadable texture, preventing overly runny or thick frosting.
• Melt and Set Strategically: Apply frosting while rolls are warm to create a beautiful glaze that slightly melts into the crevices, then let it set for a glossy finish.
• Reheat with Care: Warm leftover rolls in the oven at 300°F to restore their original soft texture and enhance flavor, avoiding microwave-induced toughness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 256
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 33 mg